Willow (Salix spp.) is not a small family. You'll find more than 400 willow trees and shrubs, all moisture-loving plants. Willow species native to the northern hemisphere grow in temperate to cooler regions.
If you want to know which types of willow will do well in your yard or garden, you'll need to start with knowing how much space you have and what growing conditions you'll need. can offer
Read on for an overview of common willow varieties.
Learn about the different types of willow
Recognizing willow is not difficult. Even children can pick willows on a tree or bush in the spring. However, distinguishing between different willows is very difficult.
This is due to the hybridization of many species of willow. With about a hundred different species of willow found in this country, many hybrids are produced with characteristics of both parents. As a result, most people don't bother distinguishing between willow species.
Popular types of willow
There are some notable willow species that everyone is familiar with. One of the best known of these is the weeping willow (Salix babylonica). The tree reaches 40 feet (12 m) tall with a canopy about 30 feet (9 m) tall. The branches are falling off making it look like they are crying.
Another common type of willow is the keyed willow (Salix matsudana 'Tortosa'). It is a tree up to 40 feet (12 m) tall and wide. Its branches bend in interesting ways, making it a great tree for winter landscapes.
Other tall willows include the peach-leafed willow (Salix amygdaloides) to 50 feet (15 m) and the American cat's willow (Salix) to 25 feet (7.5 m). It is often confused with goat's willow (Salix capria), which is sometimes used by the common name of cat's willow.
Small species of willow
Not every willow is a shade tree. There are tall willow trees with many trunks and rather short-lived shrubs.
Spotted willow (Salix Integra 'Hahuro-nishiki'), for example, is a pretty little tree that only reaches 6 feet (2 meters) tall. Its leaves vary in soft shades of pink, green, and white. It also provides winter interest, as the branches of its many stems are bright red.
Another small willow is the Osir purple willow (Salix purpurea). As the name suggests, this shrub has gorgeous purple stems and blue leaves. It only grows to 10 feet (3 meters) tall and should be pruned back every five years. Unlike many willows, it doesn't mind drier soil or a little shade.
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